American comics: From Hogwarts to God on Earth

Chapter 228 Tony Stark, Master of Corny Pickup Lines

Chapter 228 Tony Stark, Master of Corny Pickup Lines

When Rune arrived with the lunchbox, Clark was chatting with Iron Man. Considering Clark's mood at the time, Steve did not force him to train.

Although it was called casual conversation, Clark was actually listening to Tony's half-realistic, half-exaggerated account of his past experiences. Steve didn't expose him. Although the two had different ideas and often argued, they both understood each other's convictions and thus respected each other and maintained a deep friendship.

However, the arrival of Rune left Clark somewhat at a loss. He stood up, patted his butt, and faced his brother with whom he had just fought, Clark did not know how to face Rune, so his face turned red. Rune handed him the lunchbox.

"Eat," Rune said. "I've already informed Martha."

Clark took his lunchbox, sat down again, and said, with an encouraging look in Steve's eyes, "I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to apologize for," Rune said calmly. "We kept it from you, and although it was out of good intentions, it felt like being deceived by family to you. It was just a choice; there's no right or wrong."

Tony raised an eyebrow at Rune: "You sound a bit too calm. You seem like a heartless machine. Maybe my Fridays are more human than yours."

Rune remained noncommittal, while Clark muttered a thank you before opening his lunchbox to eat. Poor Clark didn't know that, when parents realize they've also made a mistake, it's difficult for them to admit it. They often try to appease their aggrieved child with silent gestures like offering food or snacks.

As a gift in disguised apology, today's meal was naturally exceptionally plentiful: cola chicken wings, sweet and sour pork, braised pork belly, tomato stewed beef brisket with shredded pork in fish-fragrant sauce, and a small area with apple pie. However, although these dishes looked decent, if someone were to actually take a bite, they would probably spit it out immediately.

Americans love strong flavors. For example, they even soak cucumbers in a powdered concentrate called "Love" and salt water for several days to create a magical dish that combines sweet, salty, and sour flavors. Rune had to modify the recipe to suit the Kent family's tastes.

The sweet aroma and the natural fragrance of meat attracted Tony. He pretended to look around, then leaned closer to Clark and looked down carefully at the food in his lunchbox, involuntarily swallowing hard.

"Cough cough, what are you eating?" Tony licked his lips, half-squatted down, patted Clark's shoulder, and asked curiously.

Clark, who was contentedly eating his rice, replied to Tony's question, "It's a special dish made by Rune. Would you like to try some?"

As Tony faced the braised pork belly, its surface coated in a reddish-brown caramel color and still jiggling slightly, which was brought close to his mouth, he was engaged in a fierce internal struggle.

"Okay, I'll just try a piece," Tony said, seemingly unfazed by the internal struggle. He no longer cared about the cleanliness of the fork and took a bite. The fat melted in his mouth, the lean meat was incredibly tender, and the semi-melted pork skin provided a soft and chewy texture. Finally, he could even taste a faint hint of wine.

"Is it good?" Clark looked at him with expectant eyes.

Tony couldn't help but nod, letting out a satisfied sigh. He looked at Rune, narrowed his eyes, and asked, "You made this?"

"certainly."

"Ten grams of vibranium, enough for one meal. I'll provide the ingredients myself. How about that?"

Twenty minutes later, Steve and Tony also ate the same meal that Clark had.

"I didn't know why you were willing to trade vibranium before, but—" Steve swallowed the meat in his mouth and continued, "but now I think it was worth it."

Tony was already full; compared to other superhumans, he ate much less. However, he keenly noticed that one dish was missing from his lunchbox.

"Did you forget something?" Tony asked, displeased, as he handed the plate to Rune, which had some unfinished food on it.

Rune knew exactly what Tony meant, but he wasn't going to take the blame: "I didn't make that apple pie; Martha made it especially for Clark."

It wasn't intentional; it was just a whim of Martha's. But that didn't stop Rune from exaggerating Martha's intentions, which was also for the good of the Kent family.

"Alright, alright." Tony struggled to his feet, casually placing the two invitations on the ground. "You pass, Rune. By the way, tomorrow's the victory celebration party, don't forget to come join us."

After saying that, he took the plate and went up the elevator, clutching his stomach as he walked, looking like he was really stuffed.

Clark accepted the invitation, but his mind wasn't on the banquet. He forked a piece of apple pie and put it in his mouth.

The creamy aroma of the pastry, the sweet and sour taste of the soft apples, and the cinnamon powder combined with the syrup quickly warmed his stomach and heart; it was the familiar taste he knew.

"It's delicious, Mom," Clark whispered. Clear liquid dripped onto the apple pie, but he didn't waste it, eating it bite by bite. Steve patted him on the back as he stood beside him.

At least he and Rune no longer need to worry about Clark throwing a tantrum at Martha.

"What?" Pepper's eyes widened. In front of her was a computer with office documents and Stark's unfinished lunchbox. "You used ten grams of vibranium to get Rune to cook you a meal? I don't understand. You mean you used a priceless treasure to get Rune to make a dish that any random alarm clock chef could cook?"

At this point, the woman couldn't hold back any longer. She stood up, her eyes wide, and asked, "And what about my beauty potion?"

"Darling, your beauty truly needs no embellishment. Now I'm already worried," Tony, of course, didn't want to admit he'd forgotten to ask Rune for the item, so he used his smooth talk to cheer Pepper up: "I'm not worried you'll betray me, but the thought of men pursuing you because of your beauty makes me jealous. They only crave your appearance, but can't truly understand your heart—..."

"Alright!" Pepper glared at Tony, even though she knew this man very well, she still couldn't help but be happy for his praise.

Tony then pushed the plate of food forward: "Try it. I'm the richest man in the world, and any dish worth my vibranium purchase is definitely not ordinary."

Little Chili rolled her eyes, muttered something about how she was on a diet and her three-month diet plan was going to fall through, took a bite, and then began to devour it.

Tony watched Pepper eat and smiled happily. Just then, his communicator vibrated and emitted a warning sound.

He casually took it out, only to find a bright red message from Captain Marvel.